Variable-speed gearing.



PATENTED APR. 18, 1905.

J. L. SPENCER.

VARIABLE SPEED GEARING.

APPLIOATION FILED 00T. 14, 1902.

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No. Temes.

NTTED STATES 'Patented April 18, 1905.

PATENT OEEIcE.

VARIABLE-SPEED GEARING.

SPECIFICATION forming' part of Letters Patent NO. 787,863, dated April.'18, 1905.

Application filed October 14, 1902. Serial No. 127,272.

o f/,Z 'wh/mt it may concern:

Be it known that l, Joux L. SPENCER, a citizen of the United States,residing at VElmira Heights, in the countyof Ohemung and State of NewYork, have invented certain new and useful improvements inVariable-Speed Gearing; and l do declare the following to be a full,clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enableothers skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use thesame, reference being' had to the accompanying drawings, and to theligures of reference marked thereon, which form a part of thisspecification.

This invention relates to improvements in variable-specal gearing, theobject being' to provide a device by means of which various speeds in aforward direction or a slow speed in a reverse direction may be obtainedfrom a suitable driving member without varying the speed of the drivingmember.

A further object is to provide a novel clutch mechanism which willenable a ready positive connection between the driving and drivenmembers, thereby making a uniform speed between the two members.

To these and otherends, the nature of which will be readily understoodas the invention is hereinafter described, said invention consists inthe improved construction and combination of parts hereinafter fullydescribed, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which similarnumerals of reference indicate similar parts, and particularly set forthin the accompanying' claims.

Aln the drawings, Figure 1 is a central vertical sectional view of thedevice, taken longitudinally of the shaft. Fig. 2 is an end elevation ofthe gear-casing and showing the clutch-operating mechanism.

ln the drawings, designates the drivingshaft operatively connected witha suitable driving' mechanism, and G designates the driven member, inthe present case comprising a sprocket-wheel T, carried by asleeve 8,loosely mounted on the shaft 9 designates a casing having at one end aboss or sleeve 10, which is keyed or otherwise secured to the shaft Saidcasing is formed in three sections or portions, substantially as shownin the drawings, being' provided with a face 11 extending outwardly fromthe boss or sleeve l0, the body of the casing extending longitudinallyof the shaft 5, said body portion being' provided with two spacedinwardlyprojecting flanges 12 and 13, said iianges having their innerperipheries in loose contact with parts hereinafter described. Theflanges 12 and 13 form bearings for a series of shafts or spindles 11i,each spindle being surrounded by a sleeve 11X, and on each sleeve ismounted a series of gears 15, 1G, and 1T, said gears being so arrangedas to have a movement as a unitary structure. Such movement maybeobtained by 'forming the gears integral with one another, or the gearsmay be connected together by a feather or other suitable mechanism, andsaid gears may have a loose or fastengagement with its shaft, asdesired. But one shaft 14 and its gears is shown in the drawings, itheilig' understood, however, that more than one (preferably three)series of suoli shafts, Sco., may be used, all having the same relativeposition to the casing.

The gears 15, 16, and 17 are of different diameters, the gear 15 having'the smallest diameter, the gear 16 the largest diameter, and.

the gear 17 adiameter intermediate that of the gears 15 and .16.

'lhe sleeve 8 of the driven member is provided with a gear 18, which hasan operative engagement with the gear 1T, said sleeve having a shoulder19 adjacent to the gear 18, on which the flange 12 is supported with aloose contact.

Mounted loosely on the sleeve 8 is a sleeve or shell 20, one end ofwhich is provided with an external gear 21, operatively connected withthe gear .16, said shell having an outwardly-extendingflange 22, theouter periphery of which is provided with a laterally-projecting flange23, upon which a tightening'device 2i of suitable form is adapted tooperate.

Loosely mounted on the sleeve QOisasleeve 26, the inner end of whichcarries an external gearZT, having' an operative engagement with thegear 15, the other end of said sleeve having an outwardly-extendingflange 28, provided at its outer periphery with a laterallyextendedflange 29, upon which a tightening device 30 is adapted to operate.

The sleeves 20 and 26 are preferably arranged as shown in the drawings,by means of which they may be said to be nested together, while theflange 13 of the casing is provided with a projection 3l, whichsubstantially fills the space between the flange 28 and the gear 27, theseveral parts by this construction being substantially held againstmovement longitudinally of the casing.

It will be understood that my invention includes a shaft having aclutching mem ber fixed thereto,a second shaft also provided with aclutching member, the latter adapted to engage with the first-namedclutching member. The said second shaft is provided with a iixed gearand a plurality of loose gears, and means is provided for holding saidloose gears. A compound planetary pinion is journaled in bearingscarried by the first-above-named shaft, said planetary pinion having itsdierentials in engagement with the pinions on said second shaft. I alsoprovide a substantially oil-proof inclosing means for the aforesaidclutching members and gears.

The above-described construction, in connection with a suitable clutchmechanism for connecting the casing and the sleeve 8 (the driving anddriven members) positively, constitutes the Variable-speed gearing.

The various changes in speed are obtained by the manipulation of theseveral parts in the following manner: The clutch mechanism and thesleeves 2O and 26 being free from the tightening devices, the rotationof the shaft 5 causes the casing 9 to be rotated therewith, suchmovement causing the shafts 14 to move in a circle around the shaft 5.During this movement the Asprocket-wheel 7, being subject to the actionof the driven mechanism to which it is connected, will remainstationary,

the gear 17 having a rolling contact with the gear 18, there being nodirect connection between the casing and the sleeve 8 to cause thelatter to be driven. As the gears 16 and 21 and 15 and 27 are also inengagement, this movement will impart independent movement to thesleeves 20 and 26, but without eect on any of the operating parts of themechanism. If a slow forward movement of the driven member is desired,the tightening device 24 is brought into operation, this movementcausing the sleeve 2O to become stationary. This immediately produces arolling contact between the gears 16 and 21, causing the series of gearsto revolve on their axis at a speed controlled by the speed of the gear16. This rotation of the gear 16 causes the gear 17 to rotate therewith,the latter operating in connection with the gear 18 of larger diameterthan the gear 21 and causes the gear 18 to be moved in a forwarddirection at a less speed than that at which the casing is moving.

This is due to the fact that the gear 21 being stationary and relativelythe equivalent of a reverse movement to that of the casing the gear 18will also be driven in a relatively reverse direction, but at lessspeed, than that of the gear 21. As the latter is stationary, themovement of the gear 18 will be forwardly` but at a reduced speed. Toobtain a slow reverse movement with the parts running free, thetightening device 30 is brought into operation With the iiange 29,causing the sleeve 26 to remain stationary, or, as above explained inconnection with the sleeve 20, giving a relatively reverse movement tothe sleeve 26. This causes a rolling contact between the gears l5 and17, the movement of the series of gears being controlled by the movementof the gear 15. As the gear 17 is of larger diameter than that of thegear 15, the part cooperating therewith (the gear 18) will also have arelatively reverse movement to that of the casing greater than that ofthe gear 27. The latter being stationary, the increased reverse movementof the gear 18 will cause the sleeve 8 to be driven in a directionreverse to that of the shaft 5 and at a slow speed. To obtain a maximumforward movement, the sleeve 8 and casing 9 are positively connectedtogether by the clutch mechanism, causing the parts to move in unisonindependent of the gear connection, and thereby relieving the gear fromwear. y

Any suitable clutch mechanism may be used in connection with the gearingabove described, it being desirable, however, that the engagementbetween the clutch mechanism and the sleeve 8 be located within thecasing 9, the sleeve 8 having its forward end abutting against or inclose proximity to the sleeve 10 of the casing. It is preferred,however, to use the clutch mechanism shown in the drawings, inasmuch asthe casing'9 constitutes one of the members of the clutch, and theclutch-faces are entirely inclosed, and therefore free from anyliability of the entrance of dust, &c. In providing this clutchmechanism an annular space 32 is formed within the casing9, between theflange 12 and the face 11, the inner periphery of the casing beingflared, as at 33, the widest diameter of the space being adjacent to theinner side of the face 11. Within the space 32 is located thefriction-shoe 34, comprising a hub 35, keyed or otherwise secured to thesleeve 8, a flange 36, extending outwardly from the hub` and thelaterally-extending flange 37, the latter having a shape to correspondwith that of the flared portion 33 of the casing. The flange 37 has itsinner and outer faces parallel with each other. The flange 36 joins thehub 35 and iiange 37 at one side, thereby providing an annular space 38between the face 11 and flange 36 and the hub 35 and flange 37, thelatter flange being flared, as shown. Within this space is located anannular shoe 39, having its outer periphery of a shape to correspondwith the inner face of' the tiange 37. rl`he shoe 39 is provided with aplurality of' pins 4l, which extend through openings formed in the faceil, and is further provided with projecting portions 42, the outer endsof' which are provided with a washer 43, between which and the face l1is interposed a spring 44. The portions 42 are preferably arranged asshown in Fig. 2 and normally hold the shoe 39 in close contact with theinner side of' the face ll and ont of' contact with the shoe 34.

designates a pivoted clutch-operating member, preferably formed as shownin the drawings, having a lug` 46 pivotally mounted in a bearing 4T,formed on the face 1l, said member having' a screw-threaded adjustingpin48, the rear end of which operates against the tace of the pin 41. Abearing-face 49 is formed on the member 45, which operates on theinclined surface of` the sliding memberO of usual form, the latterhaving means for moving it longitudinally of the shaft 5, said memberbeing keyed or otherwise secured to the shaft 1t is to be understoodthat the number of' members 45 corresponds with the number of pins 4l.

\Vith the member 50 in the position shown in Fig. l the shoe 3S) will bein inoperative position relative to the shoe 34, and as the latter iscarried by the sleeve 8 there will be no frictional engagement betweenthe shoe 34 and the face 33 of the casing. lVhen, however, the member()is moved toward the 'face 1l, the members 45 will be moved on theirpivots to cause the pins 48 to move the pins 41 inwardly, and therebyforce a contact of' the shoes 39 and 34, moving both of said shoesinwardly until a frictional engagement is f'ormed between the shoe 34and the face l'Vhen the member 50 is returned, the springs 44 throw theshoe 39 out of' frictional engagement with the shoe 34 and destroys theclutch engagement. Freni this it will be seen that the clutching-facesare not only carried within the casing, and thereby protected, but thatthe clutching member 34 is in frictional contact with two faces, bothof' which are carried b v the casing and having a movement therewith,such double engagement forming an ef'- licient connection between theseveral parts of the mechanism.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new is l. Avariable-speed gearing comprising a driving member; acasing carriedthereby and having a common movement therewith; a driven member; gearscarried by said casing; and sleeves carried by thedriven member, saidsleeves having an operative connection with said gears; and independentretarding means for each sleeve, whereby a positive connection may bemade between the driving and driven members through said gears.

2. A variable-speed gearing comprising a driving member; a casingcarried thereby and having' a common movement therewith; a drivenmember; gears carried by said easing; sleeves carried bythe drivenmember, said sleeves having an operative connection with said gears;independent retarding means for each sleeve, whereby a positiveconnection may be made between the driving and driven members throughsaid gears; and a clutch mechanism for connecting' the driving anddriven members independent of the gears.

3. A variable-speed gearing' comprising a driving member; a casingcarried thereby and having` a common movement therewith; a drivenmember; gears -carried by said casing; sleeves carried by the drivenmember, said sleeves having an operative connection with said gears;independent retarding means for each sleeve, whereby a positiveconnection may be made between the driving and driven members throughsaid gears; and a clutch mechanism for connecting the drivingl anddriven members independent of the gears, the clutch-faces being locatedwithin the casing.

4. A variable-speed gearing comprising a shaft; a casing carried therebyand having a common movement therewith, said casi ng having spacedinwardly extending flanges; a driven member, a sleeve loosely mounted onsaid shaft carrying the driven member, said sleeve having an externalgear; gears of dif'- f'erent diameters carried by said casing betweensaid flanges, one of said gears having an operative engagement with thegear of said sleeve; and sleeves loosely mounted concentrically on saidfirst-mentioned sleeve, said sleeves having an operative engagement withthe remaining gears; and independent retarding means for each sleeve,whereby a positive connection may be made between the driving and drivenmembers through said gears.

5. A variable-speed gearing comprising a shaft; a casing carried therebyand having a common movement therewith, said casing having spacedinwardlyextending flanges; a driven member, a sleeve loosely mounted onsaid shaft, carrying the driven member, said sleeve having an externalgear; gears of dif'- ferent diameters carried by said casing betweensaid flanges, one of' said gears having an operative engagement with thegear of said sleeve; sleeves loosely mounted concentrically on saidfirst-mentioned sleeve, said sleeves having an operative engagementwith-the remaining gears; independent retarding means for each sleeve,whereby a positive connection may be made between the driving and drivenmembers through said gears; and a clutch mechanism carried by saidcasing.

6. A Variable-speed gearing, comprising a driving member; a casingcarried thereby, and having a common movement therewith; a drivenmember; gears carried by said casing; sleeves carried by the drivenmember and having an operative connection with said gears;

IOO

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4 fsasee retarding means for each sleeve, and a clutch mechanism carriedby said casing.

7. A variable-speed gearing, comprising a driving member; acasingcarried thereby, and having a common movement therewith; a drivenmember; gears carried by said casing; sleeves carried by the drivenmember, and having an operative connection with said gears; independentretarding means for each of said sleeves; and a clutch mechanism carriedby said casing the clutching-faces thereof being located within thecasino.

8. A variable-speed gearing, comprising a driving member; a casingcarried thereby, and having a common movement therewith; a drivenmember; gears carried by said casing; sleeves carried by the drivenmember, and having an operative connection with said gears; retardingmeans for each of said sleeves; and a clutch mechanism carried by saidcasy ing the clutching-faces of which are located within the casing, oneof said faces being formed on the casing.

9. A variable-speed gearing, comprising a driving member; acasingcarried thereby, and having a common movement therewith; a drivenmember; gears carried by said casing; sleeves carried by the drivenmember, and having an operative connection with said gears; retardingmeans for each of said sleeves; a clutch mechanism carried by saidcasing, having` its clutching-faces, located within the casing, one ofsaid faces being formed on the casing; and a clutch-operating devicecarried hy the casing adapted to move the clutch-faces into frictionalengagement.

10. The combination with a driving-shaft, of two gears independentlyrevoluble upon said shaft; a driven member so connected with one of saidgears as to berevoluble therewith; means adapted to hold the other gearagainst rotation; gearing connections between said gears; and a supportrevoluble with said shaft, adapted to revolubly support said gearingconnections; whereby said driven member may revolve independently ofsaid drivingshaft, or be driven at a lower speed than that of saidshaft.

' 11. The combination with adriving-shaft of a fly-wheel so attached tosaid shaft as to revolve therewith; two gears within said iiy- 'wheeland independently revoluble upon said shaft; a driven member connectedwith one of said gears so as to be revoluble therewith; means adapted tohold the other said gear against rotation; and gearing connectionsbetween said gears, revolubly supported by and within said fly-wheel.

said gears on said sleeves; and a support, revoluble with thedriving-shaft adapted to revolubly support said gearing connections.

13. The combination with a driving-shaft, of concentric sleevesindependently revoluble upon said shaft, two gears attached to saidsleeves respectively; a sprocket attached to one sleeve, a brake-wheelattached to the other sleeve, means for holding said brake-wheel againstrotation, a fly-wheel attached to said driving-shaft and revolubletherewith, two gears revolubly supported in said y-wheel and adapted tomesh with said gears attached to said sleeves, and means for connectingsaid gears carried in said fly-wheel, whereby they revolve together.

14. A transmission-gear mechanism comprising a set of differentialpinions, a support therefor, a revoluble shaft, a pinion fixed on saidshaft and engaging one of said differential pinions, a pinion engagingone of said differential pinions and having a sleeve loose on saidshaft, mechanism for holding said sleeve, a pinion engaging one of saiddiffer'- ential pinions and having a sleeve loose on said first sleeve,and mechanism for holding said second sleeve, substantially asspecified.

15. A transmission-gear mechanism comprising a set of differentialpinions, a support therefor, a revoluble shaft, a pinion fixed on saidshaft and engaging one of said differential pinions, a pinion engagingone of said differential pinions and having a sleeve loose on saidshaft, a clutch mechanism connected with said sleeve for holding thesame, a pinion engaging one of said differential pinions and having asleeve loose on said first sleeve and a clutch mechanism connected withsaid second sleeve for holding the same, substantially as specified.

16. A transmission-gear mechanism cornprising a set of differentialpinions, a support therefor, a revoluble shaft, a pinion fixed on saidshaft and engaging one of said differential pinions, a pinion engagingone of said differential pinions and having a sleeve loose on saidshaft, a brake-wheel connected with said sleeve, a brake-band forholding said brake-wheel, a pinion engaging one of said differentialpinions and having a sleeve loose on said iirst sleeve, a brake-wheelconnected with said second sleeve, and a brake-band for holding saidsecond brake-wheel, substantially as specified.

17. A transmission-gear comprising a compound planetary pinion, asupport therefor, a revoluble shaft, an externally-toothed pinion fixedon said revoluble shaft and engaging said planetary pinion, anexternally-toothed pinion engaging said planetary pinion, and having asleeve loose on said shaft, a wheel fixed to said sleeve, anexternally-toothed pin ion engaging said planetary pinion and having asleeve loose on said first sleeve, a wheel fixed to said second sleeve,and mechanism for holdingsaid wheels, substantially as specified.

18. A speed-changing mechanism comprising a cylindrical casing, aclutching member fixed therein, a shaft having a clutching member fixedthereto to engage said first clutching member, members for engaging anddisengaging said clutching' members, planetary gearing, gearing carriedby said shaft and engaging said planetary gearing, and a cylindricalcasing connected with said first casing and inclosing said gearing,substantially as specified.

i9. A speed-changing mechanism comprising a shaft, a clutching memberfixed thereto, a second shaft, a clutching' member fixed to said secondshaft and adapted to engage with said first clutching member, a gearfixed on said second shaft, a plurality of' gears loose on said secondshaft, mechanism for holding said loose gears, a compound planetarypinion journaled in bearings carried by said first shaft and havingitsdifferentials in engagement with the pinions on said second shaft, and asubstantially oil-proofl inclosing mechanism for said clutching membersand gears, substantially as specified.

In testimony whereofl I affix my signature in presence of' twowitnesses.

JOHN L. SPENCER.

lVitnesses:

LENA SPENCER, FLOYD L. JAcxsoN.

